Regional focus/area studies

The uses of poetry in the foreign language curriculum

Article Abstract:

Foreign language teachers have developed the position that early introduction of students to literature will smooth their progress from elementary to advanced work. Researchers are interested in literature's ability to enhance the acquisition of the rudiments of a foreign language. Teachers using French poetry for this purpose must make use of a pluralistic approach and surmount students' resistance to the genre. Reading expressive writing helps students draw on their own creative writing potential.

FLYing with French on Saturdays: the magic of a ninety-minute class for young learners

Article Abstract:

This article discusses foreign language education in elementary schools and provides techniques for teachers, designed for Saturday rather than after school instruction. Issues in foreign language acquisition include the beginning age, the choice of language, expectations, and assessment of young children.

Mallarme's 'Le Vierge, le vivace et le bel aujourd'hui' for first-semester French students or who decreed only Prevert for first year?

Article Abstract:

The author provides an example of her own techniques for teaching first year French to community college students by exposing them to the works of French poet Stephane Mallarme. Use of the poem 'Le vierge, le vivace et le bel aujourd'hui' is given with line by line examples.